Roy Berko
In the present era of rising antisemitism in this country, PARADE stands as a vivid reminder of the past history of such hideous actions. The touring company, headed by local actor Max Chernin, is a compelling production that deserves respect and accolades by paying homage to the pain of prejudice.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
Sheri Gross
This production is worth seeing for the incredible performances of this talented cast, but even more important is the fact that it forces us to confront the brutal realities of our history while recognizing the undeniable echoes of our present day. As antisemitism continues to persist, we are reminded, ong after the final notes fade, and the curtain falls, that never again is now. Don't look away.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
This is an extremely intense show that is not for the weak of heart. At the entrances there is a disclaimer stating “Please be advised that this production includes themes of racism, antisemitism and historical connections to white supremacy. While these elements are employed to allow the story to unfold we do not condone or support such behavior in any form”. As the show was an opening night sell-out and will continue through its run it shows what the citizens of Northeast Ohio are made of...grit, tolerance and resolve.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
This Broadway Series offering won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (Harold Prince’s 1998 Award-winning creation). It is directed by Michael Arden, with book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Although described as a “musical” (it does have great voices for the over two dozen musical numbers listed in the program), what works best (and stays longest in memory) are the tragic events that inspired Parade.
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Bottom Line: A very dark play for a very cold winter. In a way, it’s another example of how Leo Frank’s life and death is still used as fodder for spectacle. “A Town Without Pity” (1961 song not in this show) might well be an earworm after seeing Parade. (It’s on Spotify — and points out “No, it isn’t very pretty what a town without pity can do.”)
To see a full review of this show, read here or Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Parade is the work that interrogates and puts White supremacy on stage. It is poignant particularly today as the United States is becoming a lawless nation as people with power and money take laws into their own hands with the considerable assistance of the media industry and the masses. Though Parade is often perceived as a musical about a tragic Jewish man, the work is about violence, including lynching, as everyday practice for Blacks and other minorities, as depicted through the characters of Newt and Minnie McKnight, who are forced to make false statements as they fear for their own lives. This musical’s political backdrop—the normalcy of governing the state and its (in this case, the state of Georgia’s) people using fear, false information, intimidation, and retribution mirrors what we now witness daily at the national and global levels —sadly echoes the state we are in, led by those who hunt for sensational decrees, orders, and actions to promote themselves, just like Hugh Dorsey and Tom Watson succeeded in the 1910s. The musical also hints at the realities of exploitation and abuses, including unprotected child labor.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Joey Morona
Cleveland native Max Chernin brings ‘edgy, profound’ musical ‘Parade’ to Playhouse Square.To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.
